Empowering disadvantaged young people in Indonesia

The stories of YCM’s members never fail to move me. This time, I want to share the life journey of Dery, one of YCM’s tutors—a journey marked by loss, resilience, and hope. Dery never had the chance to know his biological mother. She passed away just two hours after giving birth to him, and from that moment on, his grandmother became the steady source of love and care in his life, raising him until he was about 12 years old. But when his grandmother moved away and left him behind, Dery’s life became uncertain once again. For a year, his aunt cared for him, but after that he was passed from one place to another. Eventually, he was sent to live with his father and stepmother in Bengkulu, on Sumatra Island. He stayed with his father’s new family for about four years before being sent back to Bogor to live with other relatives.

Being moved from one family to another deeply disrupted Dery’s education, and at just 16 years old, he had to leave formal school behind. For a year, he stopped studying altogether then he went to a package school. During that difficult season of his life, one of his relatives introduced him to YCM.  At first, Dery hesitated. He felt that he had to survive on his own and did not want to become a burden to anyone. More than anything, he wanted to earn money quickly, but without skills, education, or connections, he could not see a clear way forward. In the end, he made a courageous choice: he accepted the invitation that would slowly begin to change his life.

At YCM, Dery began to experience a kind of life he had never truly known before. There, he found something precious: a family. He discovered a new way of learning, uncovered strengths within himself, and began sharing his knowledge with others. For the first time in many years, he felt accepted, valued, and at home. He also had the opportunity to meet volunteers from different countries and practice his skills directly with them, opening his eyes to new possibilities and a brighter future.

A few years ago, Dery faced another profound challenge when he took on the responsibility of caring for one of YCM’s members who had been diagnosed with malignant cancer. With patience, devotion, and compassion, he accompanied him through hospital visits and cared for him until the very end of his life. After losing this beloved friend, Dery returned to his father’s family in Bengkulu. But after several months without stable work, life led him back to Bogor once again. Through every twist and turn, Dery kept moving forward. In time, he returned to YCM and chose to rebuild his life through knowledge, purpose, and new skills.

Dery’s story did not end when he returned to YCM. About a year and a half ago, his 21-year-old girlfriend whom he met at YCM was carrying a heavy burden of her own. She had lost her mother while her mother was giving birth to her youngest sibling. After that tragedy, her stepfather abandoned the children and refused to take responsibility for them. As the eldest of four siblings, she had to care for three of her younger brothers and sisters, while one was taken in by other relatives. Seeing her pain and struggle, Dery made a brave and compassionate decision: he decided to marry her. In her story, he saw reflections of his own life, and his heart was moved by deep empathy for her and her siblings.

Today, Dery is no longer walking through life alone. He now has a family of his own, including three younger siblings whom he loves and cares for like his own children. This choice brought great responsibility, but Dery has embraced it with courage and determination. He works hard to give them a better life and a brighter future. As a tutor at YCM, he now shares his skills in English, computers, tour guiding, film, and photography with younger members, passing on the very opportunities that once helped transform his own life. He is also involved in YCM’s cooperative business venture, Koperasi Sola Rumah Karya. Through it all, YCM continues to stand beside him, supporting him financially and in many other ways as he carries these sudden and significant responsibilities.

Dery and his wife are deeply grateful for this support. Yet even as he receives help, Dery continues to give back to others at YCM. He keeps growing, holds tightly to his dreams, and strives to pass on the kindness he has received to both his family and the wider YCM community. His life is a powerful reminder that when someone is given love, opportunity, and support, they can rise—and help others rise too.

No words can fully express Dery’s gratitude to YCM, its donors, and all its supporters. He hopes YCM will continue to stand strong for many years to come, because through the generosity of its donors, he—and many other young people like him—have been given the chance not only to survive, but to grow, to dream, and to keep moving forward with hope. Thank you for being part of that journey.

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